People using the drug Mounjaro can sustain weight loss for up to three years, according to data from a recent trial. Known as the “King Kong” of weight loss drugs, Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and is administered through weekly injections. It mimics hormones GLP-1 and GIP, suppressing appetite, enhancing insulin production and sensitivity, and slowing stomach emptying. Available on the NHS for certain individuals and privately with a prescription, Mounjaro has attracted significant attention.
Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, along with academic researchers, unveiled two analyses from the three-year Surmount-1 trial, shedding light on long-term usage. Conducted on about 700 participants with obesity or overweight conditions, who also had pre-diabetes, the study tested three different dosage regimens over 176 weeks. The analyses will be presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Málaga.
Participants exhibited three weight loss patterns: steady, medium, or rapid, each followed by a plateau. The final average weight reductions were 9.2%, 20.2%, and 30.8%, respectively. Remarkably, the speed of initial weight loss could predict total weight loss. On average, participants reached their lowest weight at 22 months, losing 23.1% of their starting weight. Though some regained weight despite ongoing medication, they had lost 19.4% of their initial weight by the study’s end. Notably, 70% of participants regained less than 5% of their original weight after reaching their lowest point.
Experts hailed the results as promising, offering insights into predicting long-term weight loss and guiding future therapies. However, they highlighted the conflicts between these findings and current guidelines limiting drug use to two years.
Meanwhile, a Guardian investigation revealed aggressive, often illegal marketing of weight-loss injections, prompting warnings from regulatory agencies about advertising prescription-only medications. This includes promotions on social media and search engines, which remain prohibited.
Vocabulary List:
- Mimics /ˈmɪmɪks/ (verb): To imitate or simulate the appearance or behavior of something.
- Suppressing /səˈprɛs.ɪŋ/ (verb): To prevent the development action or expression of something.
- Regimens /ˈrɛdʒɪmɛnz/ (noun): A prescribed course of medical treatment way of life or diet for the promotion or restoration of health.
- Plateau /plæˈtoʊ/ (noun): A state of little or no change following a period of activity or progress.
- Weight-loss /weɪt lɔs/ (noun): The process of losing body weight.
- Therapies /ˈθɛrəpiːz/ (noun): Treatments intended to relieve or heal a disorder.
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